Andy Burnham latest: Prime minister-in-waiting set to become Labour leader within hours

During his last visit to Kiev while in office, Sir Keir Starmer said Britain’s support for Ukraine “will not waver” and that his transition as prime minister “will not change that dynamic”.

The outgoing prime minister met Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine’s capital on Thursday, just hours after a series of Russian attacks that killed two people and injured six others, including a teenager.

He also used the trip to pledge 300 million euros (£255 million) to help fund fighter jets that will strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses while supporting nearly 5,000 jobs in the UK.

Sir Keir’s visit will come on his last full day as Labor leader.

Andy Burnham will take over the leadership of the party at a special conference in London on Friday before entering Downing Street on Monday.

Sir Keir told a press conference at Mr Zelensky’s official residence that devolution would not change the relationship between the two countries.

He said: “The fact that England will have a new prime minister in the coming days does not change this dynamic at all.

“The UK’s determination remains the same, it will not waver.”

Andy Burnham won the support of hundreds of MPs, as well as several key Labor unions, to become Labor leader.

He received the support of 349 Labor MPs earlier this week, meaning it is impossible for another candidate to gain the 81 approvals needed to challenge for the Labor leadership.

Transport union TSSA, Aslef, Community, GMB, Unison, Fire Brigade Union, Unite and trades union Usdaw also backed him.

Andy Burnham, who moves within striking distance of the Prime Minister’s Office, is expected to take over the leadership of the Labor Party on Friday.

If no one challenges him, he will be crowned leader of the party at a special conference in London at noon.

There will be a period of uncertainty over the weekend, with Sir Keir Starmer remaining Prime Minister but no longer Party leader.

Mr Burnham will then be crowned prime minister on Monday.